Technology is a critical aspect of Birmingham’s ongoing transformation.
Sustainable urban development depends on innovative, energy-efficient building design and on a flexible, adaptable infrastructure that incorporates and supports public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
Birmingham has taken all these factors on board in its masterplanning, to fulfil its aim of becoming a smart city.
But what role does technology play in this? Keep reading to find out.
A Roadmap for a Smarter Birmingham
Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Smart City Commission have published their roadmap for creating a smart city.
Its vision combines various Birmingham technology initiatives with improved connectivity to create a digital infrastructure to support a growing city. As a practical case study it highlights improvements to connectivity in the historic Jewellery Quarter via telecommunications ducting and open access availability.
Smart-enabled Buildings
There are practical aspects to creating a smart city, such as building smart-enabled buildings. Enterprise Wharf is an example. The 10-storey Enterprise Wharf building, nearby to both Aston and Birmingham City universities, has internet of things (IoT) technology integral to its design.
With different sensors throughout, the building management system will collect essential big data continuously, including HVAC, lighting and CCTV. This provides precise control and monitoring of energy use and air quality and supports a sustainable, healthier and more productive workplace.
These measures set the building on course for achieving net zero carbon and they are repeatable, at scale, throughout new developments in Birmingham.
Retrofitting for Sustainability
The Ecrofit Initiative is an award-winning Birmingham City University (BCU) project.
Addressing the poor energy efficiency of existing homes and running from November 2020 until April 2023, Ecrofit runs courses to help SMEs move towards a low-carbon economy. Alongside practical support, Ecrofit uses dedicated iRet software for analysis and to recommend sustainable solutions.
This software is a combination of a building simulation tool and a recommendation system for building specifications and products.
Transportation Innovation in Birmingham
The smart city requires a fully functioning, supportive transport infrastructure that enables pedestrians and cyclists as much as it reduces the city’s carbon footprint.
At the forefront of this is Transport for West Midlands. It aims to introduce a set of mobility hubs for the region, which will offer different transport options in one place. These will include shared transport, such as cycle hire, and local information such as walking maps.
Alongside these mobility hubs, there will be a single, integrated digital system for booking transport and getting up-to-date information. The plan is also to enable connected and autonomous vehicles to run in the city, using information technology to prioritise safety and efficiency.
Birmingham City Council has stated its commitment to reducing vehicle emissions. Consequently, its masterplans include improvements to pedestrian travel, cycling and public transport. It is also pinpointing priority areas for creating a rapid and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
What Does the Future Look Like?
Planning and design are very much visual disciplines and technology is helping with the visualisation of a transformed Birmingham.
This doesn't only benefit architects, designers and planners. Increasingly, accurate 3D modelling and augmented and virtual reality are helping communities and residents see the potential benefits of new developments in the built environment.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities supports this. Accurate visualisation is vital for realising Birmingham’s ambitious visions, on both a local and city-wide scale.
Further Reading
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